Virtual terminal for payment processing

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, a process for performing transaction tasks using a virtual terminal comprises: presenting functions to a user, receiving a selected function, and performing the selected function. The presented functions may comprise: (a) activating at least one card; (b) deactivating a card; (c) generating a PIN; (d) inserting value; (e) generating an End of Day report; and (f) managing users.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to field of electronic transactionsinvolving payment cards. In particular, a virtual terminal is disclosedthat enables merchants to perform certain transactional tasks withoutusing a dedicated physical merchant terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to process transactions using encoded cards, stored valuecards, and/or credit or debit cards, it is often necessary for merchantsto possess and use a physical terminal. Such terminals are oftenexpensive and cumbersome, and may require special connectivity,maintenance, and training. For particular transactions involving storedvalue cards, such as activation, deactivation, inserting value, andproviding reports, dedicated terminals may also be needed.

Thus, there is a need for a method to accomplish many of the sametransactional tasks without the need for an expensive, cumbersometerminal.

Generic computer systems are generally readily available and are fairlyinexpensive. Such generic computers are typically capable of connectingto networks, such as the internet, and are capable of connecting toparticular servers or processors over such networks. Accordingly, it isdesirable to utilize a generic computer system to perform functionsgenerally performed by a physical terminal.

The following U.S. Patents and U.S. Patent Applications describe thestate of the art: U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 11/233,704 filedSep. 23, 2005; Ser. No. 11/237,950 filed Sep. 29, 2005; Ser. No.11/116,243 filed Apr. 28, 2005; Ser. No. 11/062,249 filed Feb. 18, 2004;Ser. No. 11/232,573 filed Sep. 22, 2005; Ser. No. 11/303,258 filed Dec.16, 2005; Ser. No. 11/273,874 filed Nov. 15, 2005; and Ser. No.10/739,301 filed Dec. 19, 2003.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention include a process for performing transactiontasks using a virtual terminal comprises: presenting functions to auser, receiving a selected function, and performing the selectedfunction. The presented functions may comprise: (a) activating at leastone card; (b) deactivating a card; (c) generating a PIN; (d) insertingvalue; (e) generating an End of Day report; and (f) managing users.

These and other aspects will become apparent from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, although variations and modifications may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading thefollowing detailed description together with the accompanying drawings,in which like reference indicators are used to designate like elements.

FIG. 1 displays a main menu generated and displayed by a virtualterminal in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

DEFINITIONS. As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpretedin the plural, and alternately, any term in the plural may beinterpreted to be in the singular. Error messages or other messagesthroughout these embodiments are illustrative only, and may be replacedby similar appropriate messages.

The term “serial number” is defined broadly as disclosing alphabeticletters (upper or lower), numbers, and other special characters oridentification indicia. Further, sets of steps may be reordered, stepsmay be omitted, and other steps may be inserted.

The term “disclosing” is used throughout the application in an exemplaryand non-limiting manner.

The term “graphical user interface” (GUI) is defined broadly asdisclosing simple lines of interrogatories without graphical icons.Hardware buttons, touch sensitive screen icons, mouse activated icons,pull down menus, pop up boxes, and text commands all may be used tointeract with software modules. For example, “Submit” may be typed ontoa command line, or a “Submit” icon may be selected by clicking the iconwith a mouse pointer. Voice recognition systems may be used in place ofgraphical user interfaces.

The term “cards” is defined broadly as disclosing credit cards, debitcards, gift cards, other consumer cards, magnetic stripe based cards,chip based cards, RFID based cards, and other financial data storagesystems that may not have the physical form of a card.

The term “personal identification number” (PIN) is defined broadlysimilarly to “serial number.”

The term “universal product code” (UPC) is defined broadly as disclosingsimilar product codes such as European Article Numbering (EAN).

The term “dollar” is defined broadly as disclosing other internationalcurrencies such as the Euro.

Similarly, labels for icons are defined broadly as disclosing similarappropriate labels (for example, “Submit” discloses “Enter” and“Execute”).

Error messages are defined broadly as disclosing similar appropriatemessages (for example, “The Command Cannot be Obeyed Because ImproperData Has Been Submitted” discloses “Some Required Fields Have Been leftblank” and “Please Enter the Required Information”). Sending an errormessage is defined broadly as disclosing sending a text message, orsending a graphical symbolic message, or routing the user to a separatescreen that provides the appropriate error information.

The major functions of the virtual terminal may comprise some or all ofthe following: activation of a single card, activation of a batch ofcards, deactivation, generation of a PIN, deactivation of a PIN, valueinsertion, reporting, administration, language selection, and velocitychecks. A detailed discussion of each of these functions follows below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a main menu presenting the followingsoftware modules for selection by a user: activation, batch activation,deactivation, PIN generation, value insertion, End of Day report, andmanage users. Specifically, main menu 100 comprises seven softwaremodule titles, numbered 1 through 7. The first software module isActivation 1 and is followed by an associated arrow icon. If theassociated arrow icon is selected by the user, then the software willsend the user to a screen associated with the Activation softwaremodule. The other software module titles (Batch Activation 2, andDeactivation 3, and Pin Generation 4, and Value Insertion 5, and End ofDay Report 6, and Manage Users 7) are similarly followed by associatedarrow icons.

Other interactive navigation techniques are also contemplated, e.g.voice recognition, command line text entry, and so forth. Further, themodules may be reordered, modules may be omitted, and modules may beadded.

ACTIVATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise anactivation module that may allow a user to activate a stored value cardby using a serial number (or personal account number (PAN)) printed onthe stored value card. A graphical user interface may request a serialnumber, or present a field for the serial number. The user may providethe serial number by typing, scanning, RFID communications, importing afile, or by any other convenient method. The user may expressly indicatethat the serial number has been provided by selecting a button that isappropriately labeled (for example, “Activate”), or by other well knowninterface techniques. Alternatively, the virtual terminal mayautomatically recognize that the serial number has been provided byrecognizing that the proper number of digits or characters has beenentered. A button or tab designating a return to the main menu or thehome page may be provided. Other routing options may be provided.

A graphical user interface module for activation may satisfy one or moreof the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the Serial Number is not entered (or is not recognized as    a serial number), then the system may display an error message    stating that the Serial Number is required. Similar error messages    may state that not enough characters were entered, or too many    characters were entered, or provide more details.-   REQ-2: If the Serial Number entered has already been activated, then    the system may display an error message stating “This Serial Number    has already been activated. Please check the Serial Number and try    again.”-   REQ-3: If the Serial Number entered has already been redeemed, then    the system may display an error message stating that “This Serial    Number has already been redeemed and cannot be re-activated. Please    check the Serial Number and try again.”-   REQ-4: If the Serial Number entered belongs to a product that the    retailer is not authorized to activate, then the system may display    an error message stating that “This retailer is not authorized to    activate this product.”-   REQ-5: If the user enters a Serial Number that is valid, then they    may be sent to a page confirming that the Serial Number and product    is valid and can be activated.-   REQ-6: If the user selects the “Return to Menu” button, then they    should be taken to the main Virtual Terminal menu.-   REQ-7: A Velocity Check function should monitor the activation of    products by each location. If a location exceeds the number of    activations allowed per day as listed in the Velocity Threshold    table, then the system may display an appropriate error message    stating, for example, “You have exceeded your activation limit for    the day. Please try again tomorrow, or call our 24-hour Merchant    Services support center at 1-800-123-4567.”

BATCH ACTIVATION. In some embodiments, an activation module may allowthe user to simultaneously activate (or at least to present or nominatefor activation) a set of cards.

The set may be consecutive or non-consecutive. A consecutive set may bedescribed by a starting serial number and an ending serial number, ormay be described by a starting serial number and a total number of cards(for example 100), or by a set of serial numbers (preferably separatedby spaces or commas). A non-consecutive set may be input as a set ofserial numbers (preferably separated by a space). After identifying abatch of serial numbers, the user may expressly indicate that the batchof serial numbers has been provided by selecting a button that isappropriately labeled (for example, labeled “Activate Batch”), or byother well known interface techniques. A button or tab designating areturn to the main menu or the home page may be provided. Other routingoptions may be provided.

A graphical user interface module for batch activation based on astarting serial number and an ending serial number may satisfy one ormore of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the starting Serial Number is not entered, then the system    may display an error stating that the starting Serial Number is    required.-   REQ-2: If the ending Serial Number is not entered, then the system    may display an error stating that the ending Serial Number is    required.-   REQ-3: If the user enters a range of Serial Numbers that is more    than 100 cards, then the system may display an error stating that    the user is only able to activate a maximum of 100 cards at a time.    (This maximum number of cards may vary from user to user, depending    on the status of the user.)-   REQ-4: If a Serial Number within the range entered has already been    activated, then the system may display an error message listing the    serial numbers that could not be activated. An exemplary error    message may state “The following Serial Numbers have already been    activated. Please check the Serial Number range and try again.”-   REQ-5: If a Serial Number with the range entered has already been    redeemed, then the system may display an error message listing the    serial numbers that could not be activated. For example, “The    following Serial Numbers have already been redeemed and cannot be    re-activated. Please check the Serial Number and try again.”-   REQ-6: If any of the Serial Numbers within the range entered belong    to a product that the retailer is not authorized to activate, then    the system may display an error message stating that “This retailer    is not authorized to activate this product” and identifying the    offending serial numbers and products.-   REQ-7: If the user enters a Serial Number range that is valid, then    the user may be sent to a page confirming that the Serial Numbers    and products are valid and can be activated.-   REQ-8: If the user accepts the confirmation, then they may be sent    an e-mail to their account on file confirming their batch    activation.-   REQ-9: If the user selects the “Return to Menu” button, they should    be taken to the main Virtual Terminal menu.-   REQ-10: A Velocity Check function should monitor the activation of    products by each location.

If a location exceeds the number of activations allowed per day aslisted in the Velocity Threshold table, then the system may display anerror message stating “You have exceeded your activation limit for theday. Please try again tomorrow, or call our 24-hour Merchant Servicessupport center at 1-800-123-4567.”

DEACTIVATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise andeactivation module which will allow the user to deactivate a card byusing a serial number. This procedure may be similar or analogous to theactivation procedure discussed above. Deactivation may be based upon aPIN, in place of a serial number. Batch deactivation may also beallowed, and may be presented on a separate screen, similar to the batchactivation discussed above.

A graphical user interface module for deactivation based on serialnumber or PIN may satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If neither the Serial Number nor PIN Number is entered, then    the system may display an error stating that “Either the Serial    Number or PIN Number is required.”-   REQ-2: If the Serial Number or PIN Number entered has already been    deactivated, then the system may display an error message stating    that “This Serial Number has already been deactivated. Please check    the Serial Number and try again” or “This PIN Number has already    been deactivated. Please check the PIN Number and try again.”-   REQ-3: If the Serial Number or PIN Number entered has already been    redeemed, then system may display an error message stating that    “This Serial Number has already been redeemed and cannot be    deactivated. Please check the Serial Number and try again” or “This    PIN Number has already been redeemed and cannot be deactivated.    Please check the PIN Number and try again.”-   REQ-4: If the Serial Number or PIN Number entered belongs to a    product that a user is not authorized to deactivate, then the system    may display an error message stating that “This user is not    authorized to deactivate this product.” Generally a user will only    be authorized to deactivate the same type of products that the user    is authorized to activate, although this is not mandatory.-   REQ-5: If the serial number or PIN Number entered was not activated    by the user presently logged into the system, then the system may    display an error message stating that “This product was not    activated by this user, therefore this user is not authorized to    deactivate this product.” Generally a user will only be allowed to    deactivate specific serial numbers or PINs that were activated by    the same user, although this is not mandatory.-   REQ-6: If the user enters a Serial Number or PIN Number that is    valid, then they may be sent to a page confirming that they are    about to deactivate this Serial Number or PIN Number.-   REQ-7: If the user selects the “Return to Menu” button, then the    user should be taken to the main Virtual Terminal menu.

PIN GENERATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise aPIN generation module which may allow the user to generate a PIN. ThePIN may be for a product that has a UPC (Uniform Product Code), and theUPC may be associated with a UPC description, and the UPC descriptionmay include a denomination.

The user may select a product from a UPC pull down menu, and then selecta “submit” button.

A graphical user interface module for deactivation based on serialnumber or PIN may satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If a product was not selected, then the system may display an    error stating that “You must select a product.”-   REQ-2: If no PINs are available, then the system may display an    error stating that “No PINs are available at this time. Please try    again later.” Additionally, an email notification may be sent to an    administrator stating that no PINs are available.-   REQ-3: If the user selects a product and a PIN is available for that    product, then the user may be sent to a page or screen confirming    that they are about to generate a PIN for a specific product.-   REQ-4: If the user selects the “Return to Menu” button, then the    user should be taken to the main Virtual Terminal menu.-   REQ-5: A Terminal Threshold function should monitor the generation    of PINs by each location. If a location exceeds the number of PIN    generations allowed per day as listed in the Terminal Threshold    table, the system will need to display an error message stating “You    have exceeded your PIN generation limit for the day. Please try    again tomorrow, or call our 24-hour Merchant Services support center    at 1-800-123-4567.”

VALUE INSERTION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise avalue insertion module. The user may add a value to an account. Aspecific embodiment illustrated below is customized for mobile phones.Similar modules may be customized for paying other kinds of accountssuch as household bills (heating, water, cable, etc).

The user may select a product and an associated value from a UPCDescription drop down box or menu. Alternatively, an additional box ormenu may provide a set of predetermined values as a separate selection.Alternatively, an additional box may allow the user to input anyarbitrary value. The user may then enter a mobile phone number, and mayalso press a “Submit” button or similarly indicate a desire to performthe proposed transaction.

A mobile phone number may be associated with a specific customer accountat a specific carrier by accessing a relational database. Thus, a mobilephone number adequately identifies a customer account associated withthat mobile phone number. This database may be accessed by anintermediary who holds a subscription, and usually will not be accesseddirectly by the virtual terminal. In some embodiments, the virtualterminal may never display the identified customer account associatedwith the mobile phone number.

A graphical user interface module for value insertion may satisfy one ormore of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If a product was not selected, then the system may display an    error stating that “You must select a product.”-   REQ-2: If a mobile number was not entered, then the system may    display an error message stating that “You must enter a mobile    number.”-   REQ-3: When the user selects Submit, then the system should verify    that the mobile number is valid, and is authorized to accept a    selected refills. If the mobile number is not valid or is not    authorized to accept refills, then an error message may state “The    phone number is not valid or is not authorized to accept refills.    Please confirm your number and resubmit.”-   REQ-4: When the user selects Submit, then the system should evaluate    the balance of the phone account to determine if the proposed    transaction can be competed.    -   a) If the sum of the account balance and the new value insertion        is greater than a predetermined maximum value, then the        intermediary may return the code that lets the virtual terminal        display the following message: “Adding airtime to this account        would exceed the wireless carrier's maximum account balance. We        are unable to complete a refill transaction for this account at        this time. Please select a smaller amount.”    -   b) If the sum of the account balance and the new value insertion        is less than a predetermined maximum value, then the user should        be sent to a page or screen confirming that they are about to        complete a value insertion for a specific product description, a        specific value, and a specific mobile phone number.-   REQ-5: If the user selects the “Return to Menu” button, then the    user should be taken to the main Virtual Terminal menu.-   REQ-6: Carrier specific rules may determine the maximum value for    the account after the proposed new value insertion, as discussed    above. This maximum value may be taken from a    ValueInsertionMaxBalance table.

GENERATE END OF DAY REPORT. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise an End of Day Report module. The End of Day Report shouldcontain a concise summary of the transactions and activities of the day.A user may generate a report at the end of the day, or at regularintervals such as the end of each 8 hour shift, or at any specific time.

The user arrives at the current End of Day Report by default. The usermay generate or retrieve the Report for a previous day by selecting adate from a calendar pop-up, or by inserting a date into a field. Theuser may download the report as a file by selecting a “Download Report”button or other interactive means. The user may print a printer-friendlyversion of the report by selecting a “Print” button. Alternatively, theuser may select a “View Printer-friendly Version”, and then select a“Print” button.

The End of Day Report should contain a concise summary of thetransactions and activities of the day (or of the shift). This summarymay include: date, terminal, store number, time, invoice number, a listof prepaid card sales (including transaction date, description,denomination, reference number, employee number, transaction number), alist of PINs issued, and other transactional accounting data.

A graphical user interface module for generating an End of Day Reportmay satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the User selects a previous date from the calendar pop-up,    then the page should refresh and display the End of the Day Report    for the newly selected date.-   REQ-2: The User should not be able to select a future date from the    calendar pop-up. The system should make dates that occur after the    present day un-selectable.-   REQ-3: If the User selects the “Download Report” button, they should    be taken to a page that allows them to choose the format of the    report to be downloaded. See section 4.5 for more information.-   REQ-4: If the User selects the “Print” button, then a page with the    printer-friendly version of the report should appear in a new    window.-   REQ-5: If the User selects the “Return to Menu” button, then the    user should be taken back to the main Virtual Terminal menu.

DOWNLOAD REPORT. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise aDownload Report module. The End of Day Report may contain a concisesummary of the transactions and activities of the day.

A user may download the above mentioned End of Day Report to theircomputer network, or email it to an interested party. The user mayselect either the current day's report, or reports in a date range byselecting the appropriate check box. If the User selects a report for adate range, then the User may select the Start Date from the Start Datemonth, day and year drop down boxes. The User may select the End Datefrom the End Date month, day and year boxes. The User may select the“Submit” button. The User may select the location on their computerwhere they wish to place the downloaded report from the pop up Save Aswindow. The User may choose a File Name and enter it in the File Namefield in the Save As window. The User may select the “Save” button.

A graphical user interface module for generating an End of Day Reportmay satisfy one or more of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects the current day report, and selects the    “Submit” button, then a window may pop up prompting them to select a    location in which to save the report. The user may save a tab    delimited text file containing the current day's data to the    selected location.-   REQ-2: Under the date range selection option, the Start Date may    default to 7 days ago, and the End Date may default to today's date.-   REQ-3: If the user selects the date range report, and selects the    “Submit” button, a window may pop up prompting the user to select a    location in which to save the report. The user may save a tab    delimited text file containing the current day's data to the    selected location.

MANAGE USERS. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise aManage User's module. The Manage User's module may allow the managementof a particular location to add, or remove, or edit user accounts.

A user may enter a user name in a search field. The user may select anappropriate search label from a drop down box. The drop down box maypresent the following search labels: all, user name, or name. The Usermay select “Submit”. The user may find and select the user name thatthey with to edit (or select an edit icon next to the user name). Theuser may select “Add User” to add a user. The user may select “Delete”to delete a user.

A graphical user interface module for managing users may satisfy one ormore of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects a user name or a pencil edit icon, then    the user may be transferred to the “Edit/Add User” screen.-   REQ-2: If the user selects an “Add User”, then the user may be    transferred to the Edit/Add User screen.-   REQ-3: If the user selects the delete icon, the system should prompt    the user with the message “You are about to delete user    “telus234clerk02.” Would you like to proceed? YES NO.” If the user    select YES, then the prompt should close, and the named “user” in    question should be deleted from the screen. If the user select NO,    then the prompt may close and the screen may remain unchanged.-   REQ-5: If the user selects Next (when this option is available),    then the next 10 records should be displayed.-   REQ-6: If the user selects Previous (when this option is available),    then the previous 10 entries should be displayed.-   REQ-7: If the user selects First (when this option is available),    then the first 10 entries should be displayed.-   REQ-8: If the user selects an up arrow in any column, then that    column should sort in descending order by first letter.-   REQ-9: If the user selects a down arrow in any column, then that    column should sort in ascending order by first letter.-   REQ-10: The search drop down box should default to All.-   REQ-11: If the user selects the Search button without having entered    any information in the search field, then the system should return    all entries.-   REQ-10: If the user enters something in the search field, and    selects “User Name” from the drop down box, and selects “Search”,    then the system should only search the User Name field. The same    logic should be followed if the user selects “Name or Franchise”    from a drop down box.-   REQ-11: This module should only allow management to add, edit, and    remove clerk accounts for the location that the using management is    assigned to. This module should in no way allow the management to    change the components or rights available to the using management.

ADD/EDIT USER ACCOUNTS. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise an Add/Edit User Accounts module. The Add/Edit User Accountsmodule may allow the management of a particular location to add, orremove, or edit user accounts (this module is very similar to the ManageUsers module discussed above).

The user may enter or alter the user name in the User Name text field.The user may enter or alter the password in the Password text field. Theuser may enter or alter the password again in the Confirm Password textfield. The user may enter or alter the first name in the First Name textfield. The user may enter or alter the last name in the Last Name textfield. The user may enter or alter the email address if available in theEmail Address text field. The user may select (or highlight) the desiredlocations from the left location box, and then select the right arrow totransfer the desired locations to the right location box. The user mayselect the appropriate functionality from the left functionality box,and then select the arrow to move them to the right selection box. Theuser may select or unselect active next to the “Active?” Check box. Theuser may select Save.

A graphical user interface module for adding/editing user accounts maysatisfy one or more of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: This section should only allow management to add, edit, and    remove clerk accounts for location that they are assigned to. This    piece should in no way allow the management to change the components    or rights available to that management.-   REQ-2: The following fields are required: User Name, Password,    Confirm Password, First Name, Last Name, Role(s).-   REQ-3: If the user selects Save, then the user should be sent to the    User List screen.-   REQ-4: If the user selects Save but has not entered the required    information, then the module should display an error stating “Please    enter the required information.”

MAIN ADMINISTRATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise a Main Administration module. The Main Administration modulemay allow Administrators to navigate through the menu system. The MainAdministration module may be located in eAdmin.

The user may select links to go to different modules in the menu. Forexample, the links may comprise: User Administration, Merchant/LocationAdministration, and Merchant Product Administration.

A graphical user interface module for Main Administration may satisfysome of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects User Administration, they need to go to    the User Administration screens.-   REQ-2: If the user selects Merchant/Location Administration, they    need to go to the Merchant/Location Administration screens.-   REQ-3: If the user selects Merchant Product Administration, they    need to go to the Merchant Product Administration screens.

USER ADMINISTRATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise a User Administration module. The User Administration Modulemay allow Administrators to edit and add users. This module may belocated in eAdmin.

The User may enter a user name, name, or franchise in the Search field.The User may select an appropriate search label from a drop down box(all, user name, name, or merchant/location). The User may select“Submit”. The User may find and select the user name (or select an editicon next to the user name) that the User wishes to edit. The User mayselect “Add User” to add a user. The User may select the “Delete” iconto delete a user. The User may change the user's location by selecting“Choose Loc”.

A graphical user interface module for User Administration may satisfysome of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects the user name or the pencil edit icon,    then the user should be sent to the Edit/Add User module.-   REQ-2: If the user selects Add User, then the user should be sent to    the Select User Location screen and should be prompted to drill down    to the location. Alternatively or additionally, there should be an    option to add an administrative user not associated with a location.-   REQ-3: If the user selects the delete icon, then the system should    prompt the user with the message “You are about to delete user    “telus234clerk02.” Would you like to proceed? YES NO.” If the user    selects YES, then the prompt should close and the selected user    should be removed from the screen. If the user selects NO, then the    prompt should close and the screen should remain unchanged.-   REQ-4: If the user selects Choose Location, then the user should be    sent to the Select User Location screen.-   REQ-5: If the user selects Next (when available), then the next 10    records should be displayed.-   REQ-6: If the user selects Previous (when available), then the    previous 10 entries should be displayed.-   REQ-7: If the user selects First (when available), the first 10    entries should be displayed.-   REQ-8: If the user selects the up arrow in any column, then that    column should sort in descending order by first letter.-   REQ-9: If the user selects the down arrow in any column, then that    column should sort in ascending order by first letter.-   REQ-10: The search drop down box should default to All.-   REQ-11: If the user selects the Search button without having entered    any information in the search field, then the system should return    all entries.-   REQ-10: If the user enters something in the search field, and    selects User Name from the drop down box, and selects Search, then    the system should only search the User Name field. The same logic    should be followed if the user selects Name or Franchise from the    drop down box.

ADD/EDIT USER. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may comprise anAdd/Edit User module. An Add/Edit User module may allow Administratorsto add or edit users. This module may be located in eAdmin.

The user may enter or alter the user name in the User Name text field.The user may enter or alter the password in the Password text field. Theuser may enter or alter the password again in the Confirm Password textfield. The user may enter or alter the first name in the First Name textfield. The user may enter or alter the last name in the Last Name textfield. The user may enter or alter the email address if available in theEmail Address text field. The user may select the appropriate level ofaccess from the Role(s) multiple selection field. The user may select orunselect active next to the Active? Check box. The user may select Save.

A graphical user interface module for Add/Edit User may satisfy some ofthe following requirements:

-   REQ-1: The roles may have the following levels of access:    -   Clerk: Activate, Deactivate, Value Insertion, PIN Generation.    -   Reporter: Run Daily Report.    -   Manager: All of the above.    -   Admin: All of the above plus administrative access.-   REQ-2: The following fields may be required: User Name, Password,    Confirm Password, First Name, Last Name, Role(s).-   REQ-3: If the user selects Save, then the user should be sent to the    User List screen.-   REQ-4: If the user selects Save but has not entered the required    information, then the module should display an error message stating    “Please enter the required information.”

MERCHANT/LOCATION ADMINISTRATION. In some embodiments, a virtualterminal may comprise a Merchant/Location Administration module. TheMerchant/Location Administration module may allow the Administrators toadd and edit merchants and locations. This module may be located ineAdmin.

The User may enter a merchant, vendor, or location in the Search field.The User may select the appropriate search label from the drop down box(all, merchant, vendor, or location). The User may select Submit. TheUser may find and select the organization they wish to view or edit. TheUser may select Add Organization to add a new organization. If IPRestricted is true, the User may select the highlighted text in the IPRestricted field to add or edit IP addresses. The User may selectEdit/Add Users to go to the list of users belonging to that location.

A graphical user interface module for Merchant/Location Administrationmay satisfy some of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: The search drop down box should default to All.-   REQ-2: If the user selects the Search button without having entered    any information in the search field, then the system should return    all entries, or else search only merchants, vendors, or locations,    as selected in the drop down box.-   REQ-3: If the user enters something in the search field and selects    Merchant from the drop down box, and selects Search, then only    organizations of the type MERCHANT should be returned. The same    logic should be followed if the user selects Vendor or Location from    the drop down box.-   REQ-4: If the user selects the up arrow next to the column headers    Name, Type, Logo, or IP Restricted, then the appropriate column    should be sorted in descending order by first letter.-   REQ-5: If the user selects the up arrow next to the column headers    Name, Type, Logo, or IP Restricted, then the appropriate column    should be sorted in ascending order by first letter.-   REQ-6: If the user selects the organization name, then the user    should be transferred to a pre-populated Organization Administration    Edit form.-   REQ-7: If the user selects Add Organization, then the user should be    transferred to a blank Organization Administration Edit form.-   REQ-8: If the user selects Next (when available), then the next 10    records should be displayed.-   REQ-9: If the user selects Previous (when available), then the    previous 10 entries should be displayed.-   REQ-10: If the user selects First (when available), the first 10    entries should be displayed.-   REQ-11: If “IP Restricted”=true, then the text “true” should link to    an IP Administration screen for that organization.-   REQ-12: If the user selects “true” in the IP Restricted column, they    should go to an IP Administration screen for that organization.-   REQ-13: If the user selects Edit/Add Users, they should go to a page    listing the users assigned to that location.

ORGANIZATION ADMINISTRATION EDIT. In some embodiments, a virtualterminal may comprise an Organization Administration Edit module. AnOrganization Administration Edit module may allow the Administrators toadd and maintain organizations. This module may be located in eAdmin.

The User may enter the Organization Name. The User may not be requiredto enter the Vendor ID. The User may enter the Merchant ID. The User mayenter the Location ID. The User may enter the name and location of theLogo file. The User may check Password Expires if the password for thisorganization should expire on a regular basis. If the User checkedPassword Expires, then the User may enter the number of days after whichthe password expires in the Password Expires Days field. The User maycheck IP Restricted. The User may select Save.

A graphical user interface module for Organizational Administration Editmay satisfy some of the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: The following fields may be required: Organization Name,    Vendor ID, Merchant ID, Location ID.-   REQ-2: When the user selects Save, then the user should be    transferred to the Organization list.-   REQ-3: No special characters should be allowed.

IP ADDRESS ADMINISTRATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise an IP Address Administration module. An IP Administrationmodule may allow Administrators to add and maintain IP addresses per forsecurity purposes. This module may be located in eAdmin.

The user may enter an IP address. The user may select an Add button. Theuser may select an edit icon to edit an IP address. The user may selecta delete icon to delete an IP address.

A graphical user interface module for IP Address Administration maysatisfy the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: Each octet of the IP Address should be a number from zero to    255.-   REQ-2: If the user attempts to add an IP address that is invalid    (i.e.—fields are left blank, or one or more octets are more than    255), then the module should display an error message stating “Not a    valid IP Address. Please try again.”-   REQ-3: When the user enters a valid IP address and clicks Add, then    the IP address should be added to list of accepted addresses for    that organization.-   REQ-4: If the user selects an delete icon next to an IP address,    then that address should be removed from the list.-   REQ-5: If the user selects an edit icon next to an IP address, that    address should be editable.-   REQ-6: If the user selects a linked organization name, then the user    should be transferred to an edit screen for that organization.

MERCHANT PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION. In some embodiments, a virtual terminalmay comprise a Merchant Product Administration module. A MerchantProduct Administration module may allow an Administrator to maintain theproducts available to each merchant. This module may be located ineAdmin.

The user may select a merchant from a drop down menu. The user mayselect Submit. Alternatively, the user may submit by double clicking ona merchant from the drop down menu.

A graphical user interface module for Merchant Product Administrationmay satisfy the following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects a merchant and selects Submit, then the    user should be transferred to a product list for the selected    merchant.

MERCHANT PRODUCT LIST. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise a Merchant Product List module. A Merchant Product List modulemay allow an Administrator to add and edit products for specificmerchants. The user may select a product to be edited. The user mayselect Add Product. The user may delete a product from the merchant'slist.

A graphical user interface module for Merchant Product List may satisfythe following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects the “X” icon next to the product name,    then the product should be removed from this merchant's allowed    products list, but should not be removed from the system.-   REQ-2: If the user selects the pencil icon next to the product name,    then the user should be transferred to a pre-populated edit/add    product form. The user may edit/add products, may review the edits    or additions, and may confirm or verify or update the edits or    additions to make them permanent.-   REQ-3: If the user selects Add Product, then the user should be    taken to a blank edit/add product form.-   REQ-4: If the user selects the up arrow next to the column headers    Product, UPC, or Active, then the associated column should be sorted    in descending order by first letter.-   REQ-5: If the user selects the down arrow next to the column headers    Product, UPC, or Active, then the associated column should be sorted    in ascending order by first letter.-   REQ-6: If the user selects Next (when available), then the next 10    records should be displayed.-   REQ-7: If the user selects Previous (when available), then the    previous 10 entries should be displayed.-   REQ-8: If the user selects First (when available), then the first 10    entries should be displayed.-   REQ-9: If the user selects a new merchant from the drop down box and    selects Submit, then the user should be transferred to the product    list for the selected merchant.-   REQ-10: If the user selects Add Product, then the user should be    transferred to a list of all available products. The products that    are currently being used by the Merchant should not be listed as    being available to that particular Merchant. Alternatively, the    products that are currently being used by the merchant may be listed    but shown as unavailable.

ADD MERCHANT PRODUCT. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal maycomprise an Add Merchant Product module. An Add Merchant Product modulemay allow an Administrator to add products to a merchant's acceptedproduct list. This module may be located in eAdmin.

A user may select a product name in a Not Assigned box to be added. Oncethe user clicks on the product name, the product name should be moved tothe Assigned box. Further, a user may select an item in a Assigned boxto be removed. Once the user clicks on the product name, the productname should be moved to the Not Assigned box.

Other methods may be used to transfer items from one list or box to adifferent list or box. For example, double clicking on an item may moveit to a different box. Alternatively, the item may be clicked anddragged to a different box. Alternatively, one or more items in a boxmay be selected, and then an arrow icon may be selected to move theitems to a different box.

A graphical user interface module for Merchant Product List may satisfythe following requirements:

-   REQ-1: If the user selects a link (product) in the Assigned box,    then that link (product) should be moved to the Not Assigned box.    The product name shown on the screen may be linked to a database.-   REQ-2: If the user selects a link (product) in the Not Assigned box,    then that link (product) should move to the Assigned box.-   REQ-3: If the user selects Return to Product Administration then the    user should be transferred to the Merchant Product List module    without adding any products.-   REQ-4: If the user selects Save, the information should be saved,    and they should return to the Merchant Product List module, which    should reflect the saved changes. Alternatively, the user may select    Save and then remain in the same module or in the same screen.

SECURITY. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may have securitymeasures to restrict access. In some embodiments, only connections fromauthorized IP addresses are allowed. In some embodiments, other securitysolutions such as RSA Secure IDs may be installed on each authorizedcomputer.

THRESHOLD CHECK. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may performthreshold checks before allowing a user to activate a product orgenerate a PIN for a product. A threshold check may determine if themaximum number of activations and/or generations for a user has beenreached. The maximum number of activations and/or generations may bedetermined by a finance department.

AUDITING. In some embodiments, a virtual terminal may maintain anactivity log of attempts to activate, deactivate, or generate a PIN fora product, the results of the attempts, and additional data associatedwith the attempts.

DATA ENCRYPTION AND SECURITY. Communication between the virtual terminaland the central processor may be encrypted and transferred using theinternet, or telephones, or private communication lines, known by one ofordinary skill in the art. For example, public-key encryption or rollingcodes may be used. Other security measures such as biometricidentification of users may be implemented, for example voicerecognition or fingerprint identification. The virtual terminal activitymay be monitored for irregular activity that may indicate potentialfraudulent use.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DATA STORAGE. The classic PIN comprises a seriesof numbers. As discussed above, alphabetic characters and otheridentification indicia are also contemplated. Characters may be readusing optical character recognition (OCR) technology. Additionally,classic bar codes comprise printed bars that are readable by a bar codereader utilizing a laser scanning in a one-dimensional linear fashion.More advanced “bar codes” utilize a two-dimensional pixel geometry toincorporate data more densely than is possible using classic bar codes.OCR and bar code readers read visible printed indicia.

Alternatively, identification indicia (such as a PIN) may be storedwithout any visible printing. For example, a PIN may be recorded or“printed” on a magnetic stripe, or may be recorded on a writablesmartcard using flash memory, or may be recorded on a writable RFID tag,or may be recorded using punched holes, or may be recorded using anydata storage technology known in the art. Similarly, a PIN may berecorded in the hard drive of a laptop computer or in the flash memoryof a mobile telephone.

Further, identification indicia (such as a PIN) may be remembered by theuser without any permanent record on a tangible medium. For example, auser may receive a PIN verbally, and may commit the PIN to memorywithout creating any permanent record on a tangible medium. This type ofuser memorization is common for military top secret access codes.

The systems and methods, as disclosed herein, are directed to theproblems stated above, as well as other problems that are present inconventional techniques. Any description of various products, methods,or apparatus and their attendant disadvantages described in the“Background of the Invention” is in no way intended to limit the scopeof the invention, or to imply that invention does not include some orall of the various elements of known products, methods and apparatus inone form or another. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention may becapable of overcoming some of the disadvantages noted in the “Backgroundof the Invention,” while still retaining some or all of the variouselements of known products, methods, and apparatus in one form oranother.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specificexemplary embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications ofthe present invention, in addition to those described herein, will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoingdescription and accompanying drawings.

1. A process for performing transactional tasks using a virtualterminal, comprising presenting functions to a user, receiving aselected function, and performing the selected function; wherein thepresented functions comprise: (a) activating at least one card bysending to a central processor over a private network a request toactivate the card and associating a value with the card, the requestresulting from a purchase of the card, wherein the virtual terminal isin selective communication with the central processor; (b) insertingvalue associated with the card into a pre-existing customer account witha provider of goods or services, comprising: (i) sending to the centralprocessor a redemption request to insert at least some of the valueassociated with the card into the pre-existing customer account with theprovider of goods or services, the redemption request including anidentifier of the card and information sufficient to identify thepre-existing customer account; (ii) determining at the central processorthe provider of goods or services based on the redemption request; (iii)passing from the central processor to the provider of goods or servicesa request to insert the value into the pre-existing customer at theprovider of goods or services.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein said(a) activating at least one card comprises activating a single card, andwherein activating said single card further comprises: receiving at thecentral processor the request to activate the card; determining at thecentral processor whether an indicia associated with the card has beenreceived, and upon a determination that an indicia associated with thecard has not been received then sending an appropriate error message;determining at the central processor whether the indicia associated withthe card has already been activated, and upon a determination that theindicia associated with the card has already been activated then sendingan appropriate error message; determining whether the indicia associatedwith the card belongs to a product that a retailer is authorized toactivate, and upon a determination that the indicia associated with thecard belongs to a product that a retailer is not authorized to activate,sending an appropriate error message; and determining whether theindicia associated with the card is valid, and upon a determination thatthe indicia associated with the card is valid, activating the card. 3.The process of claim 1, wherein said (a) activating at least one cardcomprises activating a batch of cards having sequential associatedindicia, and wherein activating said batch of cards comprises: receivingat the central processor a request to activate the batch of cards;determining at the central processor whether a starting and endingindicia associated with the batch of cards was received, and upon adetermination that both the starting indicia and the ending indicia werenot received, sending an appropriate error message; determining at thecentral processor whether one or more indicia associated with the batchof cards have already been activated or redeemed, and upon adetermination that one or more indicia associated with the batch ofcards have already been activated or redeemed then sending anappropriate error message; determining at the central processor whetherone or more indicia associated with the batch of cards are associatedwith a product or products that a retailer is not authorized toactivate, and upon a determination that one or more indicia associatedwith the batch of cards are associated with a product or products that aretailer is not authorized to activate then sending an appropriate errormessage; and determining at the central processor whether all theindicia associated with the batch of cards are valid, and upon adetermination that all the indicia associated with the batch of cardsare valid, activating the batch of cards and sending an appropriateconfirmation message.
 4. The process of claim 1, further comprising thefunction of deactivating a card, comprising: receiving at the centralprocessor a request to deactivate a card; determining at the centralprocessor whether the indicia associated with the card has already beendeactivated or redeemed, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card has already been deactivated or redeemed thensending an appropriate error message; and determining at the centralprocessor whether the indicia is associated with a product that a useris not authorized to deactivate, and upon a determination that theindicia is associated with a product that a user is not authorized todeactivate sending an appropriate error message.
 5. The process of claim1, further comprising the function of generating a PIN, comprising:receiving at the central processor a request to generate a PIN;determining at the central processor whether a product was selected, andupon a determination that a product was not selected, sending anappropriate error message; determining at the central processor whethera PIN is available, and upon a determination that a PIN is notavailable, sending an appropriate error message; determining at thecentral processor whether a product was selected and a PIN is availablefor the selected product, and upon a determination that a product wasselected and a PIN is not available for the selected product, sending anappropriate error message; and determining at the central processorwhether a product was selected and a PIN is available for the selectedproduct, and upon a determination that a product was selected and a PINis available for the selected product, sending a confirmation.
 6. Theprocess of claim 1, further comprising the function of generating an Endof Day report, comprising: receiving at the central processor a requestto generate the End of Day report; receiving at the central processor aselected previous date or a selected present date; receiving at thecentral processor a selected report format; and generating at thecentral processor a report for the selected date in the selected reportformat, wherein the report comprises a summary of the transactions ofthe selected day.
 7. The process of claim 1, further comprising thefunction of managing users, comprising: receiving at the centralprocessor a request to manage users; receiving at the central processora selected user name; determining at the central processor whether arequest to delete was received, and upon a determination that a requestto delete was received then sending an appropriate confirmation message;and determining at the central processor whether a request to add wasreceived, and upon a determination that a request to add was receivedthen sending an appropriate confirmation message.
 8. The process ofclaim 1, wherein: (a) said activating at least one card comprisesactivating a single card, and wherein activating said single cardcomprises: receiving a request to activate a card; determining whetheran indicia associated with the card has not been received, and upon adetermination that an indicia associated with the card has not beenreceived then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetheran indicia associated with the card has already been activated, and upona determination that an indicia associated with the card has alreadybeen activated then sending an appropriate error message; determiningwhether an indicia associated with the card belongs to a product that aretailer is not authorized to activate, and upon a determination that anindicia associated with the card belongs to a product that a retailer isnot authorized to activate then sending an appropriate error message;and determining whether an indicia associated with the card is valid,and upon a determination that an indicia associated with the card isvalid then confirming that the indicia is valid; and further comprisingthe functions of: deactivating a card, comprising: receiving a requestto deactivate a card; determining whether an indicia associated with thecard was not received, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card was not received then sending an appropriateerror message; determining whether an indicia associated with the cardhas already been deactivated or redeemed, and upon a determination thatthe indicia associated with the card has already been deactivated orredeemed then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetherthe indicia is associated with a product that a user is not authorizedto deactivate, and upon a determination that the indicia is associatedwith a product that a user is not authorized to deactivate then sendingan appropriate error message; and determining whether an indiciaassociated with the card is valid and whether a user is authorized todeactivate the card, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card is valid and the user is authorized todeactivate the card then deactivating the card; generating a PIN,comprising: receiving a request to generate a PIN; determining whetherno product was selected, and upon a determination that no product wasselected then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetherno PIN is available, and upon a determination that no PIN is availablethen sending an appropriate error message; determining whether a productwas selected and no PIN is available for the selected product, and upona determination that a product was selected and no PIN is available forthe selected product then sending an appropriate error message; anddetermining whether a product was selected and a PIN is available forthe selected product, and upon a determination that a product wasselected and a PIN is available for the selected product then sending aconfirmation; generating an End of Day report comprising: receiving arequest to generate the End of Day report; receiving a selected previousdate or a selected present date; receiving a selected report format; andgenerating a report for the selected date in the selected report format,wherein the report comprises a summary of the transactions of theselected day; and managing users, comprising: receiving a request tomanage users; receiving a selected user name; determining whether arequest to delete was received, and upon a determination that a requestto delete was received then sending an appropriate confirmation message;and determining whether a request to add was received, and upon adetermination that a request to add was received then sending anappropriate confirmation message.
 9. A virtual terminal system adaptedto present functions to a user, receive a selected function, and performthe selected function; wherein the functions comprise: (a) activating atleast one card by sending to a central processor over a private networka request to activate the card and associating a value with the card,the request resulting from a purchase of the card, wherein the virtualterminal is in selective communication with the central processor; (b)generating a personal identification number (PIN); (c) inserting valueassociated with the card into a pre-existing customer account with aprovider of goods or services, comprising: (i) sending to the centralprocessor a redemption request to insert at least some of the valueassociated with the card into the pre-existing customer account with theprovider of goods or services, the redemption request including anidentifier of the card and information sufficient to identify thepre-existing customer account; (ii) determining at the central processorthe provider of goods or services based on the redemption request; (iii)passing from the central processor to the provider of goods or servicesa request to insert the value into the pre-existing customer at theprovider of goods or services.
 10. The virtual terminal system of claim9, wherein said (a) activating at least one card comprises activating asingle card, and wherein activating said single card comprises:receiving a request to activate a card; determining whether an indiciaassociated with the card has not been received, and upon a determinationthat an indicia associated with the card has not been received thensending an appropriate error message; determining whether an indiciaassociated with the card has already been activated, and upon adetermination that an indicia associated with the card has already beenactivated then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetheran indicia associated with the card belongs to a product that a retaileris not authorized to activate, and upon a determination that an indiciaassociated with the card belongs to a product that a retailer is notauthorized to activate then sending an appropriate error message; anddetermining whether an indicia associated with the card is valid, andupon a determination that an indicia associated with the card is validthen confirming that the indicia is valid.
 11. The virtual terminalsystem of claim 9, wherein said (a) activating at least one cardcomprises activating a batch of cards having sequential associatedindicia, and wherein activating said batch of cards comprises: receivinga request to activate a batch of cards; determining whether a startingindicia associated with the batch of cards was not received, and upon adetermination that the starting indicia was not received then sending anappropriate error message; determining whether an ending indiciaassociated with the batch of cards was not received, and upon adetermination that the ending indicia was not received then sending anappropriate error message; determining whether one or more indiciaassociated with the batch of cards have already been activated orredeemed, and upon a determination that one or more indicia associatedwith the batch of cards have already been activated or redeemed thensending an appropriate error message; determining whether one or moreindicia associated with the batch of cards are associated with a productor products that a retailer is not authorized to activate, and upon adetermination that one or more indicia associated with the batch ofcards are associated with a product or products that a retailer is notauthorized to activate then sending an appropriate error message; anddetermining whether all the indicia associated with the batch of cardsare valid, and upon a determination that all the indicia associated withthe batch of cards are valid then sending an appropriate confirmationmessage.
 12. The virtual terminal system of claim 9, further comprisingthe function of deactivating a card, comprising: receiving a request todeactivate a card; determining whether an indicia associated with thecard was not received, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card was not received then sending an appropriateerror message; determining whether an indicia associated with the cardhas already been deactivated or redeemed, and upon a determination thatthe indicia associated with the card has already been deactivated orredeemed then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetherthe indicia is associated with a product that a user is not authorizedto deactivate, and upon a determination that the indicia is associatedwith a product that a user is not authorized to deactivate then sendingan appropriate error message; and determining whether an indiciaassociated with the card is valid and whether a user is authorized todeactivate the card, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card is valid and the user is authorized todeactivate the card then deactivating the card.
 13. The virtual terminalsystem of claim 9, said (b) generating a PIN comprises: receiving arequest to generate a PIN; determining whether no product was selected,and upon a determination that no product was selected then sending anappropriate error message; determining whether no PIN is available, andupon a determination that no PIN is available then sending anappropriate error message; determining whether a product was selectedand no PIN is available for the selected product, and upon adetermination that a product was selected and no PIN is available forthe selected product then sending an appropriate error message; anddetermining whether a product was selected and a PIN is available forthe selected product, and upon a determination that a product wasselected and a PIN is available for the selected product then sending aconfirmation.
 14. The virtual terminal system of claim 9, furthercomprising the function of generating an End of Day report, comprising:receiving a request to generate the End of Day report; receiving aselected previous date or a selected present date; receiving a selectedreport format; and generating a report for the selected date in theselected report format, wherein the report comprises a summary of thetransactions of the selected day.
 15. The virtual terminal system ofclaim 9, further comprising managing users, comprising: receiving arequest to manage users; receiving a selected user name; determiningwhether a request to delete was received, and upon a determination thata request to delete was received then sending an appropriateconfirmation message; and determining whether a request to add wasreceived, and upon a determination that a request to add was receivedthen sending an appropriate confirmation message.
 16. The virtualterminal system of claim 9, wherein: (a) said activating at least onecard comprises activating a single card, and wherein activating saidsingle card comprises: receiving a request to activate a card;determining whether an indicia associated with the card has not beenreceived, and upon a determination that an indicia associated with thecard has not been received then sending an appropriate error message;determining whether an indicia associated with the card has already beenactivated, and upon a determination that an indicia associated with thecard has already been activated then sending an appropriate errormessage; determining whether an indicia associated with the card belongsto a product that a retailer is not authorized to activate, and upon adetermination that an indicia associated with the card belongs to aproduct that a retailer is not authorized to activate then sending anappropriate error message; and determining whether an indicia associatedwith the card is valid, and upon a determination that an indiciaassociated with the card is valid then confirming that the indicia isvalid; (b) said generating a PIN comprises: receiving a request togenerate a PIN; determining whether no product was selected, and upon adetermination that no product was selected then sending an appropriateerror message; determining whether no PIN is available, and upon adetermination that no PIN is available then sending an appropriate errormessage; determining whether a product was selected and no PIN isavailable for the selected product, and upon a determination that aproduct was selected and no PIN is available for the selected productthen sending an appropriate error message; and determining whether aproduct was selected and a PIN is available for the selected product,and upon a determination that a product was selected and a PIN isavailable for the selected product then sending a confirmation; andfurther comprising the functions of: generating an End of Day reportscomprising: receiving a request to generate the End of Day report;receiving a selected previous date or a selected present date; receivinga selected report format; and generating a report for the selected datein the selected report format, wherein the report comprises a summary ofthe transactions of the selected day; and managing users, comprising:receiving a request to manage users; receiving a selected user name;determining whether a request to delete was received, and upon adetermination that a request to delete was received then sending anappropriate confirmation message; and determining whether a request toadd was received, and upon a determination that a request to add wasreceived then sending an appropriate confirmation message.
 17. Acomputer readable medium or media comprising instructions that whenexecuted cause functions to be presented to a user, receive a selectedfunction, and perform the selected function; and wherein the presentedfunctions comprise: (a) activating at least one card by sending to acentral processor over a private network a request to activate the cardand associate a value with the card, the request resulting from apurchase of the card, wherein the virtual terminal is in selectivecommunication with the central processor; (b) deactivating a card; (c)generating a personal identification number (PIN); (d) inserting valueassociated with the card into a pre-existing customer account with aprovider of goods or services, comprising: (i) sending to the centralprocessor a redemption request to insert at least some of the valueassociated with the card into the pre-existing customer account with theprovider of goods or services, the redemption request including anidentifier of the card and information sufficient to identify thepre-existing customer account; (ii) determining at the central processorthe provider of goods or services based on the redemption request; (iii)passing from the central processor to the provider of goods or servicesa request to insert the value into the pre-existing customer at theprovider of goods or services.
 18. The computer readable medium or mediaof claim 17, further comprising: (a) said activating at least one cardcomprises activating a single card, and wherein activating said singlecard comprises: receiving a request to activate a card; determiningwhether an indicia associated with the card has not been received, andupon a determination that an indicia associated with the card has notbeen received then sending an appropriate error message; determiningwhether an indicia associated with the card has already been activated,and upon a determination that an indicia associated with the card hasalready been activated then sending an appropriate error message;determining whether an indicia associated with the card belongs to aproduct that a retailer is not authorized to activate, and upon adetermination that an indicia associated with the card belongs to aproduct that a retailer is not authorized to activate then sending anappropriate error message; and determining whether an indicia associatedwith the card is valid, and upon a determination that an indiciaassociated with the card is valid then confirming that the indicia isvalid; (b) said deactivating a card comprises: receiving a request todeactivate a card; determining whether an indicia associated with thecard was not received, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card was not received then sending an appropriateerror message; determining whether an indicia associated with the cardhas already been deactivated or redeemed, and upon a determination thatthe indicia associated with the card has already been deactivated orredeemed then sending an appropriate error message; determining whetherthe indicia is associated with a product that a user is not authorizedto deactivate, and upon a determination that the indicia is associatedwith a product that a user is not authorized to deactivate then sendingan appropriate error message; and determining whether an indiciaassociated with the card is valid and whether a user is authorized todeactivate the card, and upon a determination that the indiciaassociated with the card is valid and the user is authorized todeactivate the card then deactivating the card; (c) said generating aPIN comprises: receiving a request to generate a PIN; determiningwhether no product was selected, and upon a determination that noproduct was selected then sending an appropriate error message;determining whether no PIN is available, and upon a determination thatno PIN is available then sending an appropriate error message;determining whether a product was selected and no PIN is available forthe selected product, and upon a determination that a product wasselected and no PIN is available for the selected product then sendingan appropriate error message; and determining whether a product wasselected and a PIN is available for the selected product, and upon adetermination that a product was selected and a PIN is available for theselected product then sending a confirmation; and further comprising thefunctions of: generating an End of Day reports comprising: receiving arequest to generate the End of Day report; receiving a selected previousdate or a selected present date; receiving a selected report format; andgenerating a report for the selected date in the selected report format,wherein the report comprises a summary of the transactions of theselected day; and said managing users, comprising: receiving a requestto manage users; receiving a selected user name; determining whether arequest to delete was received, and upon a determination that a requestto delete was received then sending an appropriate confirmation message;and determining whether a request to add was received, and upon adetermination that a request to add was received then sending anappropriate confirmation message.